Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Lobbying by U.S. helicopter manufacturers to have ICAO regulations amended to allow greater use of single-engine models over developed areas could “degrade overall safety standards,” according to Lord Glenarthur, chairman of the British Helicopter Advisory Board. Speaking at last month’s conference of the UK’s General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association (GAMTA), Lord Glenarthur said that “one or two U.S. manufacturers” are pressing for ICAO to adopt a more permissive “FAA-style approach” to single-engine operations. He declined to name the airframers concerned but logically they must be makers of single-engine rotorcraft.
The BHAB leader said he does not expect UK authorities ever to accept single-engine helicopter operations over urban areas. He warned against what he characterized as “overassertiveness” on the part of U.S. manufacturers seeking to change and “weaken” operating standards. Lord Glenarthur argued that it would be “very difficult to get the data” needed to prove that single-engine operations over built-up areas are sufficiently safe.
Commenting on the new European Aviation Safety Agency, Lord Glenarthur said that it is vital to ensure that its new ECAR (European Civil Aviation Requirements) operating rules for helicopters are “practicable” because of the exemptions available under the existing JAA rules. EASA is in the process of converting the JAA’s Joint Aviation Requirements into ECARs, which will carry the force of European Union law.
Lord Glenarthur also told GAMTA delegates that the creation of EASA could make it necessary for European aviation lobbying groups to be restructured to be more effective. “There could even be a case for government funding to support proper representation in the rulemaking process because it could prove to be too expensive for the industry,” he concluded.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

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News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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